The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, or story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Occupation Details

Caretaker

EducationSome of these occupations may require a Leaving Certificate or similar.

Related ExperienceLittle or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.

Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Caretakers look after the upkeep and security of buildings and their grounds.

The Work

Caretakers look after different kinds of buildings. They work mainly in schools and on housing estates, but also in offices, churches, hotels, leisure centres and colleges.

Caretakers on housing estates usually work for a local authority or a housing association. They look after a large number of houses. They make sure that empty properties are secure and aren't vandalised. Some caretakers have to check equipment, such as lifts in blocks of flats, or fire extinguishers. If they find a fault, they have to call in the right people to repair it.

In communal areas, such as community rooms, they clean stairways and corridors, replace light bulbs and carry out minor repairs. If there are communal gardens or playgrounds, they might have to cut the grass, make minor repairs (e.g., on broken fences) and clear up litter. They are responsible generally for any landscaping jobs that need doing. Caretakers are often the first point of contact for tenants. Some problems they deal with themselves, but if they can't, they advise people who to contact. These people should be reputable and recognised.

Some caretakers look after housing or residences on a smaller scale, such as homes for elderly people or private flats. They are sometimes called janitors and undertake similar tasks to estate caretakers. For example, they check the heating systems (and in some cases order fuel and other supplies). They might also do small maintenance jobs for residents. They are responsible for health and safety aspects such as checking fire alarms and extinguishers.

There are also mobile caretakers who support estate caretakers, by taking on larger jobs. They normally work in teams and travel to areas in a van. Their work might involve doing things like getting rid of graffiti in public areas.

In schools, caretakers often live near to, or even in, the school grounds. They have to make sure that the building, its contents and the external areas are safe and secure. This means locking and unlocking the building and entrance gates each day. They also test fire alarms and make sure that fire extinguishers are regularly maintained. Caretakers move equipment between classrooms, arrange rooms for meetings and make sure that storerooms are secure.

Caretakers look after the heating systems, carry out general handyperson duties and do minor repairs. Some caretakers have to monitor spending on essential stores, materials and equipment. They might also have some general cleaning and tidying duties. Some school caretakers supervise cleaning staff or, in large schools, assistant caretakers.

Caretakers in other types of buildings have similar kinds of duties.

Personal Qualities

In this job, you'll come into contact with a lot of people, so you will need to be good at dealing with people. You'll also have to work on your own without supervision. You'll have a wide range of tasks to do, most of which will be very practical.

If working in a school you will need to child friendly and extra vigilant about safety. You also need to be kept up to date with machinery, equipment etc. Also, you'll have to be well organised and practical - not afraid of getting your hands dirty.

You'll spend a lot of time on your feet in this job and might have to work outdoors as well as indoors. It's important that you are fit and in good health.

This is the kind of job that will suit you if you are flexible and enjoy variety.

Further Information

A detailed description of this occupation can be found on a number of online databases. Follow the link(s) below to access this information:

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